Students at North Casper Elementary learned some special tips and tricks for writing stories this week, thanks to a visit from an award-winning author.

Author Amada Irma Perez visited the school on Tuesday and Wednesday to share her work with students and help the school host a family night. Students were given books written by Perez and spent time working on their writing with the author.

Perez writes her books in both Spanish and English. Her first book, "My Very Own Room -- Mi Propio Cuartito," won the Tomas Riveria Children's Book Award.

The former teacher said being in the classroom was another way to reinforce how critical writing skills are for students.

"I think that they get to see how important it is, that their stories are important and that their lives are important," Perez said.

Perez tries to make her presentations fun for students, encouraging them to speak out and keeping a contagious enthusiasm in her voice the entire time.

"So many kids think that writing is a pain," she said. "If kids know it's good to share about their lives, they'll learn to appreciate their own lives more."

Perez teaches students the "Big S's" and the "Big T's" -- sight, sound, smell, taste, touch and thoughts. She also reminds students to put their feelings into their work.

It's a confidence-builder for students to realize how important their words are, Perez said. And she can serve as a role model for minority students trying to find their voices. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, minority students made up almost 43 percent of North Casper's 2005-06 enrollment.

"They need to see the stories of their culture, of their moms and dads that came to the U.S.," Perez said. "They need to see people like them."

Dominic Jones, 9, said he had a lot of fun learning Perez's writing tips and tricks. Dominic chose to write one story about giving up his dog, Max, when he moved to Mexico.

"I learned how to make stories better, and how to make them into more of a novel," the third-grader said. "And to try again and again and never give up."

But what Dominic really liked was that Perez was someone he felt a connection with, a person who had also lived in Mexico.

"I liked that she was from my country," he said. "And that I know someone I have stuff in common with."

Reach education reporter Jasa Santos at (307) 266-0593 or at Jasa.Santos@trib.com